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E.R.S. Canby's forces, the XVI and XIII corps, moved along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, forcing the Confederates back into their defenses. Union forces then concentrated on Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley.
By April 1, Union forces had enveloped Spanish Fort, thereby releasing more troops to focus on Fort Blakeley.
Brigadier General St. John R. Liddell, with about 4,000 men, held out against the much larger Union force until Spanish Fort fell on April 8, allowing Canby to concentrate 16,000 men for the attack on April 9. Sheer numbers breached the Confederate earthworks compelling the Confederates to capitulate.
The siege and capture of Fort Blakely was basically the last combined-force battle of the war.
Union Colored Troops played a major role in the successful Union assault.
Result(s): Union victory (Fort Blakeley surrendered.)
Location: Baldwin County
Campaign: Mobile Campaign (1865)
Date(s): April 2-9, 1865
Principal Commanders: Major General E.R.S. Canby [US]; Brigadier General St. John R. Liddell [CS]
Forces Engaged: XIII and XVI Corps [US]; Fort Blakeley Garrison [CS]
Estimated Casualties: Total 4,475. April 9 only 3,529 (US 629; CS 2,900)
It has long been accepted by the news media and general public that the American Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, with the surrender of general Robert E. Lee's army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S. Grant. Civil War research has shown that the Battle of Blakely was the last major battle of the Civil War occurring six hours after Lee surrendered at Appomattox |
